DIFC DEWS Calculator – Workplace Savings

Work in DIFC? You don’t get traditional gratuity – since February 2020, your employer pays monthly into DEWS, the DIFC Employee Workplace Savings plan. This calculator shows your employer’s mandatory contribution and estimates what has gone into your plan so far.

DIFC DEWS Calculator Last verified: 6 Jul 2026
Sources: DIFC Employment Law No. 2 of 2019 (as amended) ยท DEWS Plan (Zurich Workplace Solutions)
Frequently asked questions
What is DEWS and who does it apply to?
DEWS (DIFC Employee Workplace Savings) replaced end of service gratuity for DIFC employees from 1 February 2020. Instead of a lump sum at exit, your employer contributes monthly into a funded, professionally managed savings plan in your name.
How much does my employer contribute to DEWS?
5.83% of your basic salary while you have less than 5 years of service with the employer, and 8.33% once you pass 5 years - the monthly equivalents of the old 21-day and 30-day gratuity rates. You can also make voluntary contributions on top.
Why does this calculator ask for my employment start date?
Two reasons: contributions only began on 1 February 2020 even if you joined earlier, and the contribution rate steps up at your 5-year service anniversary. The calculator applies both automatically month by month.
What happened to my gratuity earned before February 2020?
Your pre-DEWS gratuity was either frozen as a legacy amount payable at exit (calculated on your final basic salary) or transferred into DEWS with your consent. Check with your HR which route your employer took.
Does DEWS apply in ADGM too?
No. ADGM (Abu Dhabi) still operates a traditional end of service gratuity under its own Employment Regulations. Use our ADGM gratuity calculator for that.

How DEWS replaces gratuity

Instead of a lump sum at exit calculated on your final salary, DIFC employers contribute monthly: 5.83% of basic salary for employees with under five years of service and 8.33% after five years – the monthly equivalents of the federal 21-day and 30-day rates. The money is invested in funds you select within the plan, professionally administered, and it belongs to you from day one regardless of how your employment ends.

Why DEWS can beat traditional gratuity

Traditional gratuity is unfunded – a promise on the employer’s balance sheet, at risk if the company fails, and it earns nothing while you wait. DEWS contributions are ring-fenced with a trustee and invested, so your end of service money compounds. You can also make voluntary contributions from salary, one of the few structured saving mechanisms available to UAE expats.

Your pre-2020 gratuity

Service before 1 February 2020 was handled one of two ways: frozen as a legacy gratuity payable at exit on your final basic salary, or transferred into DEWS with your consent. Ask HR which applies to you. Note DEWS is DIFC-only – ADGM still runs traditional gratuity (ADGM calculator), and mainland UAE follows the federal law (UAE gratuity calculator).

Estimates for information only. Investment returns in DEWS vary with your fund selection and are not included in the accumulation estimate.